Active participation in the classroom is not only accepted but also expected of the student in many courses. Some professors base part of the final grade on the student’s oral participation. Although there are formal lectures during which the student has a passive role (I.e., listening and taking notes), many courses are organized around classroom discussions, students questions, and informal lectures.
A professor’s teaching style is another factor that determines the degree and type of student participation. Some professors prefer to control discussion while others prefer to guide the class without controlling it. Many professors encourage students to question and challenge their ideas. Students who make statements that contradict the professor’s point of view should be prepared to prove their positions.
Ideally, the teacher-student relationship at universities is characterized by trust. The “honor system” demands that the student be honest in all areas of school work. Thus, cheating on tests, presenting others’ ideas as original, and turning in homework done by someone else are all forbidden.
Violation of the honor system can result in a student’s failing a course, having a record of the violation placed in the student’s school files, or even being driven out from the university. Students who cheat may lose the respect of other students, particularly those who study for exams and work independently. When leaving the classroom while students are taking an exam, an instructor may or may not say, “I expect you all to obey the honor system.” Even if the words are not stated, the student is expected to work alone and not to share answers.
1.    In many courses, teachers__________.
A. allow the students to participate
B. require the students to participate
C. both A and B
D. neither A nor B
2.    If a student does not agree with the professor in a lecture, the student is encouraged to    __________.
A. remain silent
B. challenge the professor
C. leave the class
D. tell the professor immediately that he is wrong
3.    If a professor believes in the “honor system,” it implies his _________.
A. suspicion of the students
B. distrust of the students
C. trust in the students
D. pride in the students
4.    Violations of the honor system do not include __________.
A. cheating
B. failing a course
C. sharing answers
D. handing in homework done by another student